"But instead of simply replacing like for like, we have opted for an internationally-rated surface, the first of its kind in Hawke's Bay." The celebrations start at 4pm tomorrow when "two special players" from either end of the membership age spectrum will be invited to participate in an hour-long "hit-a-thon".
They are long-time patron Gerda Hollis and 9-year-old Elijah Froeudenberg.
Work on the court began in April with the excavation and the laying of a concrete foundation. In the past month, a multi-layer rubber and acrylic coating have been applied to it as finishing touches.
Funds to pay for the project came from club reserves, an interest-free loan from a member and grants from the Harold Holt Trust, Endeavour Trust, Eastern and Central Community Trust, New Zealand Community Trust, Infinity Foundation, Pub Charities, and the Southern Trust.